NETGEAR EX3700 – AC750 WiFi Range Extender Essentials Edition

Dual-Antenna Range Extender

Hardware Layout & Ports

Netgear EX3700 Diagram

Reference this technical blueprint during setup to locate the power input, status LED indicators, one-touch WPS pairing button, and Ethernet port on your device.

Status LEDs WPS Button Reset Pinhole

The NETGEAR EX3700 AC750 WiFi Range Extender Essentials Edition is a compact wall-plug dual-band extender that boosts your existing WiFi coverage up to 750 Mbps, helping eliminate dead zones and improve HD video streaming and gaming in any room of your home.

Quick 3-Step Checklist

• Restart: Unplug the EX3700, wait 15 seconds, and plug it back in.
• Reconnect: Make sure your phone, laptop, or PC is connected to the extender’s WiFi (NETGEAR_EXT or the extended SSID) before opening the setup page.
• Verify router internet: Connect directly to your router’s WiFi and confirm that the internet works there first.

EX3700 AC750 WiFi Range Extender Overview

• WiFi performance: AC750 dual-band WiFi (up to 750 Mbps total), extending both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for general browsing, HD streaming, and light gaming.
• WiFi technology: 802.11ac, compatible with most 802.11 b/g/n/ac routers and access points.
• Form factor: Essentials Edition wall-plug design with two antennas, status LEDs, and a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet port for wired devices.
• Use case: Boosts existing WiFi range, working like a bridge between your router and devices and repeating the signals to cover dead zones and distant rooms.

How to Set Up NETGEAR EX3700 via WPS

If your router supports WPS, this is the simplest and fastest way to connect the EX3700 to your existing WiFi network.

Step 1: Place and Power On

• Plug the EX3700 into a wall outlet in the same room as your WiFi router for initial setup.
• Wait for the Power LED to light and become solid (usually green).
• If the Power LED does not turn on, press the Power/On-Off button on the extender.

Step 2: Press WPS on the EX3700

• Press the WPS button on the side panel of the EX3700.
• The WPS LED will start blinking, indicating the extender is in WPS pairing mode.

Step 3: Press WPS on the Router

• Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router or access point.
• Wait for up to two minutes while the connection is established.
• When the link succeeds, the extender’s Router/Link and Device LEDs will light (often white or green) to show a good connection.

Step 4: Optional – Connect 5 GHz Band

• If your router supports 5 GHz, repeat WPS to connect the EX3700 on that band as well:
• Press WPS on the extender again, then press WPS on the router within two minutes.
• Confirm the 5 GHz LED becomes solid, indicating a successful 5 GHz connection.

Step 5: Move the EX3700 to the Ideal Spot

• Think of the EX3700 as a relay runner: it needs a solid signal from the router so it can pass that signal further.
• Unplug the extender and move it to a location roughly halfway between your router and the area with weak WiFi.
• Plug it back in and check the Link Status/Signal LED:
  • White/green: Strong connection to the router.
  • Amber: Fair connection; acceptable but could be improved.
  • Red/off: Poor connection—move the extender closer to the router.

Step 6: Connect Your Devices

• After WPS setup, the EX3700 creates extended WiFi networks—usually your router’s SSIDs with _EXT added for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
• Use the same WiFi password as your router unless you changed it during setup.
• Connect devices like laptops, phones, tablets, and smart TVs to these extended networks and test coverage in the previously weak area.

How to Set Up NETGEAR EX3700 via Browser (mywifiext) – Manual Setup

Manual setup using a browser is ideal if your router doesn’t have WPS or you want more control over SSIDs and passwords.

Step 1: Plug In and Connect to NETGEAR_EXT

• Plug the EX3700 into a wall outlet near your router and wait for the Power LED to become solid.
• On your phone, tablet, or computer, open WiFi settings and connect to the extender’s default SSID—often NETGEAR_EXT or a similar name.
• You can also connect a computer via Ethernet cable to the EX3700’s Fast Ethernet port.

Step 2: Open the Setup Page

• Launch a browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
• In the address bar, type http://mywifiext.net and press Enter.
• If that doesn’t load, try http://mywifiext.local or the extender’s default IP, commonly 192.168.1.250.

Step 3: Run the NETGEAR Installation Assistant

• When the NETGEAR installation assistant (or Genie) opens, click NEW EXTENDER SETUP.
• Create or log into your NETGEAR account if prompted.
• For admin access, default credentials are often:
  • Username: admin
  • Password: password (unless changed previously)
• You may be asked to change the default admin password and configure security questions for extra protection.

Step 4: Choose “WiFi Range Extender” Mode

• When asked how you want to use the EX3700, select WiFi Range Extender.
• Access Point mode is used only when you will connect the EX3700 to your router via Ethernet cable (covered further below).

Step 5: Connect to Your Router’s WiFi

• The assistant scans for nearby WiFi networks and displays available SSIDs.
• Select your home router’s SSID(s) for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands if supported.
• Enter your router’s WiFi password exactly (case-sensitive) to let the extender join your main network.

Step 6: Set Extended Network Names and Passwords

• Accept the default extended SSID names (router SSID + _EXT) or customize them.
• Choose a strong password; many users keep it the same as the router’s WiFi password for convenience.
• Save your settings and allow the EX3700 to update configuration and reboot if required.

Step 7: Move the Extender and Test Coverage

• Unplug the EX3700 and move it to the area halfway between the router and your weak zone.
• Plug it in, wait for the Link/Status LED to indicate a good connection, and then connect devices to the extended SSID(s).
• Test WiFi with streaming or a speed test in the problem area.

How to Use NETGEAR EX3700 as an Access Point (Wired Mode)

Access Point mode is helpful when a direct Ethernet connection to your router is available and wireless backhaul is weak or unreliable.

Step 1: Prepare the EX3700 and Router

• If the EX3700 has been used as a range extender before, consider factory resetting first (see reset section).
• Ensure your router has a free LAN port.

Step 2: Connect Ethernet and Power On

• Plug the EX3700 into an outlet where you want additional WiFi coverage.
• Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on your router to the EX3700’s Fast Ethernet port.
• Wait for the Power LED to become solid.

Step 3: Log In and Select Access Point Mode

• Connect a device to NETGEAR_EXT or via Ethernet to the extender.
• Open a browser and go to mywifiext.net or 192.168.1.250.
• Log in with your admin credentials and choose Access Point mode when prompted.

Step 4: Configure AP WiFi Settings

• Set the WiFi network name (SSID) for the access point (you can match your router SSID or use a new one).
• Choose strong security (WPA2/WPA3 depending on compatibility) and assign a secure password.
• Save settings; the EX3700 will now broadcast WiFi using the wired backhaul from your router.

Note: In Access Point mode, the Ethernet cable must remain connected for WiFi from the EX3700 to work.

Smart Roaming and WiFi Name Options

• Matching SSID (One WiFi Name): Use the same SSID and password on the extender as on your router to create a more seamless roaming experience. Devices can move between router and extender without manual switching.
• Separate _EXT SSIDs: Keep the default extended SSIDs with _EXT additions if you want to control exactly which devices connect to the extender, such as assigning smart TVs or consoles specifically to the EX3700.

Quick Fix Checklist

• Restart both router and EX3700.
• Verify the router’s WiFi has working internet.
• Confirm your device is connected to the extender’s SSID before visiting mywifiext.net.
• Try WPS setup first; if it fails, use the browser-based installation assistant.
• If issues persist, perform a factory reset and run a fresh setup.

Placement Tips for Best Performance

• Plug the EX3700 into an open outlet, not hidden behind furniture or inside cabinets.
• Aim for a location where the extender’s Link Status LED indicates a strong connection to the router (white/green rather than amber or red).
• Keep the extender away from microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, large mirrors, metal cabinets, fridges, and thick concrete or brick walls.
• For devices that need extra stability (smart TVs, consoles), consider wiring them to the EX3700’s Fast Ethernet port once the extender has a strong wireless link to the router.